Carnation Flowers have a long history and are believed to be a native of the Mediterranean area. Carnation flowers are often worn on special occasions and are used to express a range of emotions like love and gratitude depending on the color.
One of the flowers used in Greek ceremonial grounds is the carnation, leading scholars to believe this but the name Carnation comes from coronation or corone, meaning flower garlands. Dianthus caryophyllus is the scientific name for the carnation flower. Translated the carnation’s scientific name comes from Greek and means “flower of the gods,” “flower of love,” or “heavenly flower.”
Carnation flowers are soft and delicate, yet their color can be vibrant. Carnations bloom in a variety of colors such as red, green, purple, white and yellow. Centuries ago carnation flowers presented themselves as pink or peach only. Today the variety of colors of carnation flowers are grown and given to represent a range of meaning and emotions. A light red carnation flowers would be give to express admiration, while dark red carnation flowers would show deep love and affection. White carnation flowers symbolize pure love and good luck. Striped carnation flowers show regret for a love that cannot be shared. The most historical and symbolic meaning are represented by pink carnation flowers. A christian belief is that carnation first appeared on Earth as Jesus carried the cross. As Jesus mother Mary cried tears for her son, carnations springs up where her tears fill. Pink carnation flowers became a symbol of a mother’s unconditional love.
Countries around the world hold special meaning for this beautiful, stunning flower. Special occasions like Mother’s Day and weddings are represented by carnation flowers. Carnation flowers were chosen as the emblem of Mother’s Day by Anna Jarvis in 1907. The carnation was a favorite of her mother and it is now a tradition still observed in the United States and Canada. Anna Jarvis wanted to represent the purity of a mother’s love, so she choose the white carnation flower. The tradition has evolved over time and now a red carnation is worn if one’s mother is alive, and a white one is worn if she has died.
In France purple carnation flowers are a traditionally used as a funeral flower and in French cultures carnations represent misfortune and bad luck. In Korea Parent’s Day May 8, is celebrated rather than separate Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Red and pink carnation flowers are used to show love and gratitude toward one’s parents. On Teacher’s Day, May 15, a corsage of carnation might be given or worn to show gratitude. Austria, Italy and successor countries of former Yugoslavia wear red carnations on May Day as a symbol of the labor movement. Green carnation are used for St. Patrick’s Day. Oxford University has a tradition of wearing carnation to examinations. White is for the first exam, pink is for exam in between and red carnation flowers are for the last exam. The national flower of Spain is the carnation. Ohio has the scarlet carnation as its state flower.
Carnation flowers are not beautiful, they are fairly easy to grow. Carnation flowers, given the right conditions, can last in to the winter and this flower is available as an annual, biennial or a perennial. The carnation adopts itself well and a flower bed or a rock garden. Carnation do require well-drained, slightly alkaline soil and full sun. You can expect a carnation will grow between 18″ to 24″ tall. A carnation will thrive once cut and in a vase for 2-3 weeks, making the carnation a favorite for a gift or decoration. Carnation flowers are also an edible flower that has the taste and smell of a clove.
To ensure the best success for growing carnations be sure that they receive six hours of direct sunlight . A well-drained alkaline soil works best using a good compost like cow manure, peat or pine bark. Do not use any mulch because it could cause your carnations to rot. In order to grow the carnation stems need air to breathe. Do not plant carnations too deep to avoid rotting and keep your carnations damp not wet when watering. Versatile and beautiful carnation flowers have been adored for centuries. Its timeless beauty can become a part of your garden with a little knowledge and effort.